SUPERTUBOS, Peniche/Portugal (Monday, October 15, 2012) – The Rip Curl Pro Portugal, Event No. 8 of 10 on the 2012 ASP World Championship Tour, completed the opening two heats of Round 3 today before calling competition off due to slowing conditions.

John John Florence (HAW), 19, ASP WCT No. 4, was victorious in the opening heat of the day, surviving a slow affair with Travis Logie (ZAF), 33. The talented Hawaiian, who suffered minor injuries two days ago while chasing a perfect hollow wave down the coast from Peniche, continued his impressive form at the Rip Curl Pro Portugal. “It wasn’t too bad, just a couple cuts, a couple stitches on my head but it’s all good,” Florence said. “I’ve never hit the bottom that hard on a wave and it was pretty scary at first, but it heals pretty fast I was glad I didn’t have to surf a heat yesterday. Conditions today are tough but there were a few little waves. It’s hard to surf a heat out there and I feel for Travis (Logie), but sometimes that happens. Hope the waves get better.” Florence advances directly into Round 4 of competition.

Gabriel Medina (BRA), 18, closed the day’s action out with a high-flying affair against Brett Simpson (USA), 27. Medina impressed on both his backhand and forehand with a number of progressive maneuvers to take the Round 3 win. “That was a tough heat against Brett (Simpson),” Medina said. “He surfed so well and I really thought he was going to get the scores on this last wave but he didn’t make that last air so I’m stoked to make this one. That’s an important round for me, I really want to get a good result over here.” Medina advances directly to Round 4 of competition.

When competition resumes, up first will be Taj Burrow (AUS), 34, up against Kolohe Andino (USA), 18, in Heat 3 of Round 3 at the Rip Curl Pro Portugal. For more information, log onto www.aspworldtour.com

A few stitches in the head weren’t enough to slow down John John Florence. Photo: ASP